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Author Topic: Groovy pavement and mototcycle handling  (Read 2337 times)

mimmo66

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Groovy pavement and mototcycle handling
« on: August 25, 2009, 01:43:38 PM »
I hate this crappy Kalifornia groovy concrete paving, as if in here it rains a lot to justify it.

On my last trip to Yellowstone/Bryce Canyon and detours I have never found this kind of pavement anywhere.

At the moment I'm running Avon Road Runner cause everyone else seems to like it, but next time I will opt for something else, with no longitudinal threads.

Domenico.
1982 R65LS
1986 K75C



Offline Bob_Roller

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Re: Groovy pavement and mototcycle handling
« Reply #1 on: August 25, 2009, 02:43:24 PM »
Have you tried different tire pressures to see if it helps any ?

The Continental 'Twins' tires that came with the bike, RB2 front, and K112 rear, were not happy with grooved pavement, the Metzeler Lasertecs don't seem to be quite as prone to getting 'nervous' on this kind of pavement, I'm running around 40 psi front and back .

Also, if you have an incident on grooved concrete, it abrades away flesh and bone at a higher rate as well .  
'81 R65
'82 R65 LS
'84 R65 LS
'87 Moto Guzzi V65 Lario
'02 R1150R
Riding all year long since 1993 .
I'll give up my R65, when they pry my cold dead hands from the handlebars !!!!!

Offline Ed Miller

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Re: Groovy pavement and mototcycle handling
« Reply #2 on: August 25, 2009, 02:52:00 PM »
The only time they do it here in Oregon is to prepare to apply a layer of new pavement.  I guess it makes the two layers bind together better.  It doesn't really bother me, I use Spitfires and Avon Roadriders.  I don't try to corner fast on it or anything.

Ed Miller
'81 r65
Falls City, OR

Offline Lucky_Lou

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Re: Groovy pavement and mototcycle handling
« Reply #3 on: August 25, 2009, 03:04:31 PM »
Quote
Have you tried different tire pressures to see if it helps any ?

The Continental 'Twins' tires that came with the bike, RB2 front, and K112 rear, were not happy with grooved pavement, the Metzeler Lasertecs don't seem to be quite as prone to getting 'nervous' on this kind of pavement, I'm running around 40 psi front and back .

Also, if you have an incident on grooved concrete, it abrades away flesh and bone at a higher rate as well .  
Ouch just the thought hurts...i hate the stuff it very noisey too
Lou
Ask questions later

weasel01

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Re: Groovy pavement and mototcycle handling
« Reply #4 on: August 25, 2009, 09:14:00 PM »
There is only about 2 miles worth of that stuff here in Lexington but I have to ride on it occasionally.....feels like grease on glass.

mimmo66

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Re: Groovy pavement and mototcycle handling
« Reply #5 on: August 25, 2009, 11:45:47 PM »
40 psi is a pressure I have not tried yet, without going in the garage I think I'm running on 32/ 36 psi
Will give it a try and let you know
Grazie,
Domenico
« Last Edit: August 26, 2009, 12:04:15 AM by mimmo66 »

Offline Semper Gumby

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Re: Groovy pavement and mototcycle handling
« Reply #6 on: August 30, 2009, 08:27:46 PM »
Try the Michelin Macadams or the Metzler Lasertec.  The diagonals on the front tires seem to do the best when it comes to rain grooves.  I prefere the French tires.  I think they are the best in this regard.  (Oh nooooooo another ADOT).  
Bill Gould ?1980/03 R65 When at first you don't succeed....Moo!

sixfifty

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Re: Groovy pavement and mototcycle handling
« Reply #7 on: September 08, 2009, 10:15:02 PM »
the bridgestone battlax tires on mine give a minor headshake on the rain grooves, especially at interstate speeds.  annoying but so far manageable.  i'm running the tires at the recommended 32/36.

the suspension on my bike is set up pretty stiff too, so once i get some stuff rebuilt i'm hoping things will settle down a bit.

Offline nhmaf

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Re: Groovy pavement and mototcycle handling
« Reply #8 on: September 09, 2009, 10:49:03 PM »
Hmm Actually, I think the BT45 tires on my R65 exhibit much less wiggle/wobble on the scarified pavement than the Metzlers did.   I think that the metzler front tire tends to have more longitudinal lines in it even with the "block" style tread than the smoother, more modern style groove pattern in the BT45s.   I DO know that I hit ALOT of construction and scarified pavement going to/from Tennessee back in July, and it wasn't bad at all.   I run my front & rear tires @ 35 PSI.
Airhead #12178 ? BMWMOA #123173 ?BMWRA #33525 ?GSBMWR #563 ?1982 BMW R65LS ?1978 BMW R100/7 1998 Kawasaki Concours

drewboid

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Re: Groovy pavement and mototcycle handling
« Reply #9 on: September 10, 2009, 07:48:14 AM »
Similar experience - my R65 with BT45s seems to have less headshake than my R75/6 with Metzler ME33s. YMMV

sixfifty

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Re: Groovy pavement and mototcycle handling
« Reply #10 on: September 10, 2009, 09:33:32 AM »
i don't remember what the stock metzlers were on my f650, but they were fairly nasty in a lot of conditions.  bouncy, headshake, wore quickly, less-than-confidence inspiring in the wet...

i was never so happy to burn up a set of tires.   ;D

Offline Semper Gumby

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Re: Groovy pavement and mototcycle handling
« Reply #11 on: September 10, 2009, 07:08:22 PM »
Then try the Macadams.  I really like 'em.  Rock steady on grooves and crossing longitudial lines.

The Metzlers were always slow to warm up anyway unless I was on the Comp K.  Too bad you can't get those anymore!

TTFN,
Bill Gould ?1980/03 R65 When at first you don't succeed....Moo!